The talented 22-year-old could be available this winter with his club ready to listen to reasonable offers for his signature, despite having fought hard to keep him in the summer.

Arsenal are believed to be his main suitors, but his availability is likely to see Chelsea and United bid for him in January as well, with all three clubs eyeing new signings in that part of the pitch.

Carvalho has expressed his desire to move to a bigger club, and Sporting seem resigned to losing him this season.